Newman celebrates 99th on greenway
Having a birthday wish granted is wonderful for any of us, but imagine being asked what you would like for your 99th birthday.
While getting her hair done at Sue’s Beauty Salon, Hilda Newman was asked by beautician Sue Sullivan what she would like to do for her big day, which is April 26.
She replied, “I have everything I will ever need and I have done everything I would like to, but one thing I would like is to go on the greenway.”
Newman was referring to the wonderful walking trail that meanders alongside the Barren Fork River, which is located directly behind her place of residence. She lives at Riverview Terrace and had noticed much activity on the trail below. She and table mates Johnnie Walker and Loretta Wood often wondered about the activity below.
Wanting to grant this very simple wish, Sullivan took it upon herself to plan a trip to the greenway. Not wanting Newman to enjoy it alone, she invited Walker and Wood to join in the fun. The trio gets their hair done each week at Sue’s shop. The trip took place two weeks ago.
It immediately turned into a family affair when husband Lester daughter and son-in-law Deanna and Chris Keele and granddaughter Rachel got involved. Lester worked out the technicalities of transporting wheelchairs and walkers. The Keeles prepared a delicious chicken salad and croissant sack lunch. Katharine Goodson, niece of Walker, participated in the walk and made a homemade birthday cake. Allen Wood came from Crossville to enjoy the outing with his mother, Loretta.
When asked about the adventure, Newman said, “I thought it was wonderful. It’s nice to have something so beautiful in McMinnville. I think tax money is well spent to support this endeavor. I also appreciate Sue and her family for making it possible.”